Showing Courage

2012-02-10T21:58:00.001-06:00

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Life’s circumstances can be very intimidating. We aresurrounded by those who would do us harm—computer hackers, dishonest businesspeople, and even neighbors who take advantage of us. In an environment likethis, the easiest thing would be to hide behind the walls of our homes andprotect ourselves from the dangers that lurk outside.

Yet Jesus called Hisdisciples to something different. He asked them to have courage and strength inthe face of some very frightening situations. In Matthew 14:27, when Jesus walked on the water towardthem as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe thatthis ghost-like figure was really their Savior. He asked them to go out inpairs and preach in His name. And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him forHis final days.

The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage.He is preparing some amazing chances for you to be His voice and hands. Buteach one will take courage—courage that you will not be able to gather withoutJesus’ strength. When faced with one of these terrifying opportunities, we haveto decide whether to trust Jesus and accept His strength. Once we have donethat, then courage quickly follows.

How is God callingyou to show courage in your life?

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"If the church is to bemissionary, she must be spiritual; and if the church is to be spiritual, shemust be missionary." -G. C. Morgan

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Prayer Requests

Pray for a spirit ofunity among Christian groups, that they would be kingdom-minded and willing toshare resources.

Pray that God will givethe workers sensitivity in their evangelism.

Prayer for Paresh Haldar as he seeks to begin a new ministry in the unreached village of Shitolytala in north India.

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

The Hands of Jesus

2012-02-08T17:20:00.000-06:00

"Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8)

Think about what it means to be the hands of Jesus. What comesto mind? When we think of Jesus’ hands, we think of both compassionate love anddecisive action. At both extremes we know that the hands of Jesus had power. Atevery turn, Jesus would stretch out His hands and things would happen.Sometimes the blind were healed, other times a child was given importance andstill other times a tear was dried. In this passage, Peter reached out to a crippledman, and he instantly walked.

Through the Holy Spirit, this same power is available toeach of us as we serve. When you’re in the middle of a ministry opportunity andyou are floundering, Jesus is there to give you the strength and power to beHis voice and His hands! It might be a crazy moment when all the kids in thenursery are crying, or a work project when you can’t figure out how to move thesupplies to the work site. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine Jesus giving us that kind of power. If we are on missionwith Jesus as His hands, do we believe that His power can reach out through ouractions and bless others?

Howcan you use your experiences to help those around you?

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If youcan attend church without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death... youare more fortunate than three billion people in the world.

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Prayer Requests

Pray for strength for Indian believers in the midst ofpersecution.

Pray for our ministry partner Pastor Johnpaul, his wife SudhaRani, and their children as they faithfully press on in the Kingdom work.

Prayfor new partnerships to be formed throughout India.

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated